it does matter

It still amazes me when I visit favorite blogs and scrapbooking sites how few people express appreciation for the gifts they're given in the form of free kits, word art, tutorials, advice, etc. Absolutely astounding. I know I get on this soapbox occasionally, but haven't done so in awhile.

For the faithful few who leave messages for me and my designer friends, I'm profoundly grateful. It makes me smile.

For the thousands of others who do not tell some absoltely extraordinary designers out there how much they appreciate their professionally designed 75+-piece kits they're giving away ... well, shame on you!!!

Pass it on!

Melanie

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another wa

back again after another bit of minor surgery yesterday to remove most of the hardware holding my hand and wrist together. still in pain but in a cast now so i don't feel as vulnerable, thankfully.

hope your day goes well.
melanie


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let us be grateful

so, how was your Christmas? mine was very quiet, just my husband and myself and our two westies. my husband had to do all the cooking but he enjoys it. i'm looking forward to our big family gathering on saturday.

my doctor's appointment wednesday with my surgeon went well; he continued to reiterate how badly my wrist was broken and that he had to piece together my palm back in place -- so i'm quite grateful for his skills! unfortunately, i can't go back to work yet which means another week without pay. it's been a tough year ..... 2009 will hopefully be better ... for everyone.

blessings to you and yours
melanie

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Grateful U

Back with another freebie for today as I'd hoped! This expresses so eloquently and simply how I feel about family and friends. How about you? :)

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ThanksGiving Thoughts

Lynette Jacobs sent this cool layout over the weekend. She used a word art I'd made some time ago and pieced it together in a way that suited her purposes. Nice job, Lynette! Thanks for sharing.



Of all the things my British husband, Stephen, had to adapt to, a new set of holidays has been an interesting change for him since we've been married. Even though we've been married for six years now, he's still not accustomed to the fact that we don't have Guy Fawkes Day or Boxing Day as work holidays. However, he has heartily embraced our Thanksgiving and truly enjoys it as a time of gathering with family as often as possible. Just as long as he's not made to watch any football games, of course. :)

I'm supplying you with two because of my absence on Friday.

Blessings,

Melanie

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Definitions For Which to be Thankful

I thought these explanations kept things in perspective when I came across them recently, and thought I'd share them with you. We are all more blessed than we know. Just take a look around you and you'll see. [This word art is much larger than it appears in this posting!]

In our family, we are grateful that we still have our Mom. It's been 9 years since we lost Dad, so we never take it for granted when the family has a chance to be together. Thanksgiving holidays are a huge family tradition, and I look forward to participating in that tradition again this week.

Here's a layout I created with a "glamour shot" I took of my Mom earlier this year. The layout was inspired by a World Scrapping Tour word art challenge led by Kim B. I used Kim's word art, and her marvelous kit, Stone Castle (which you can find at DSO). Thanks, Kim!!

Hope you and your family have a terrific week.

Blessings,
Melanie
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font credits: SBC Stone Inscription, Pea Missy Cursive, Coltaine No. 1

Everybody Wins!

I don't know if I'm just getting sappier in my old age, or if people visiting my blog are getting kinder -- I think it's the latter-- but I can't help but notice that people are saying some REALLY NICE things. It's like swimming in a vat of chocolate: really sweet!

Thank you so much for your very kind comments, and particularly those of you who are becoming "regulars." I appreciate it more than you know.

This quotation is something I aspire to do daily (long before I ever heard it as a "quotation"), because not only does it make others feel better, but it has the added bonus of pulling you along with it. Everybody wins!!!


May your paths be truly blessed today,
Melanie
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font credits: Blackjack Regular, Scrabble, Myriad, Applescruffs, Litterbox ICG, Screwball Final, CK Fan Club, Mixed Up, Dots Type "On Film"

You can never be too grateful

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font credits: Becks, CK Calligraphy, Bauer Bodoni, Copperplate Gothic